Maneadero

Between Ensenada [1] and San Quintín [2], Mexico 1 meanders inland along low mesas, through the fertile valley of Santo Tomás, and on south past a series of ranchos and agricultural supply towns. Four Dominican mission sites dot the highway along the way.

Once you pass into the farming town of Maneadero, 20 kilometers south of Ensenada, you’ve reached the end of the “free zone” and will need immigration papers (tourist card or visa) to proceed farther south. The military often has a checkpoint set up here, and the topes (speed bumps) are plentiful, so take it slow.

Camping

Las Cañadas Campamento (Km. 31–32, tel. 646/153-1055, toll-free U.S. tel. 800/027-3828, www.lascanadas.com [3], US$16 pp) originally opened as a day-use swimming complex in the summer, but it also has a few campsites with full hookups and lakeside tent camping, both of which are open year-round. Basic cabins rent for US$65 per night; bring your own linens.